The Western Australian Government has unveiled plans to redevelop the former Shenton Park Hospital site into a medium to high-density urban village, featuring up to 1,600 new homes. The hospital closed in October 2014, with services moving to Fiona Stanley Hospital. The project is part of a broader asset sales package expected to raise $250 million for the state.
Lands Minister Terry Redman released the plans for public comment, stating the development is crucial to accommodate Perth's projected population growth to 3.5 million by 2050. The site will include residential, commercial, and retail spaces, with buildings up to nine storeys high. The plan aims to preserve heritage, bushland, and natural assets while integrating with the surrounding community.
However, environmental groups have raised concerns about the impact on the threatened Carnaby's black cockatoo. The City of Nedlands previously flagged issues regarding bushland loss. Minister Redman noted that 23% of the 15.8-hectare site will be preserved as public open space and bushland, well above the typical 10% benchmark. But the Urban Bushland Council argues this is insufficient, particularly along the western boundary, which serves as a critical corridor for the cockatoos.
Council secretary Margaret Owen expressed disappointment, saying the development would further reduce cockatoo habitat. Heritage elements such as Victoria House, an avenue of Queensland Boxwood trees, and part of the G Block facade will be retained. New accommodation for the Leukaemia Foundation and Multiple Sclerosis Society is also planned.
Mr. Redman expects lots to be on the market by the end of the year, with the full redevelopment taking up to 10 years to complete.
